Cjs240 Gender and Family
Gender and Family
Jeromy Nygaard
CJS 240
March 4, 2012
Rebeca Sanchez-Roig
Wk 4 Gender and Family
How does gender affect delinquency?
It can be said the males make up the vast majority of the prison population. It can also be said that men are just plain different than women when it comes to ethics, morals, and violence. Whether gender has any influence on whether or not a crime is committed is not fully understood, but there are many theories.
What are some current explanations for gender differences as they relate to delinquency? * * There are many views and theories as to if and how gender affects delinquency. One of the major theories is the gender-schema theory which basically states that society influences create girls feminine and boys masculine and that they are expected to adhere to those gender roles. Others theorize that differences are based on traits and that it is the “interaction of biological and psychological traits with the social environment that produces delinquency” (Siegel & Welsh, p. 142). Much of this has to do with child development. Other theorists believe social factors such as family life and friendships play a major role in criminal behavior. The feminists hold that crime rates have fluctuated because of the increased role women have in today’s society .Another contributor to the debate is the power-control theory which attests that women commit less crime because men have a role as the breadwinner for the family.
How does family affect delinquency? * * Much of our life is based on relationships and family is a big part of that. Family relationships, or the lack of relationships, can influence a person in many ways. The affect is unique to the person and their situation so it is hard, if not impossible, to determine if family interactions can influence criminal behavior. *
How does family makeup affect delinquency? * * Factors in regards to family makeup that affect
Jeromy Nygaard
CJS 240
March 4, 2012
Rebeca Sanchez-Roig
Wk 4 Gender and Family
How does gender affect delinquency?
It can be said the males make up the vast majority of the prison population. It can also be said that men are just plain different than women when it comes to ethics, morals, and violence. Whether gender has any influence on whether or not a crime is committed is not fully understood, but there are many theories.
What are some current explanations for gender differences as they relate to delinquency? * * There are many views and theories as to if and how gender affects delinquency. One of the major theories is the gender-schema theory which basically states that society influences create girls feminine and boys masculine and that they are expected to adhere to those gender roles. Others theorize that differences are based on traits and that it is the “interaction of biological and psychological traits with the social environment that produces delinquency” (Siegel & Welsh, p. 142). Much of this has to do with child development. Other theorists believe social factors such as family life and friendships play a major role in criminal behavior. The feminists hold that crime rates have fluctuated because of the increased role women have in today’s society .Another contributor to the debate is the power-control theory which attests that women commit less crime because men have a role as the breadwinner for the family.
How does family affect delinquency? * * Much of our life is based on relationships and family is a big part of that. Family relationships, or the lack of relationships, can influence a person in many ways. The affect is unique to the person and their situation so it is hard, if not impossible, to determine if family interactions can influence criminal behavior. *
How does family makeup affect delinquency? * * Factors in regards to family makeup that affect
References: Siegel, L. J. & Welsh, B. C. (2005). Juvenile delinquency: The core. (2nd ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth.